Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boudoir photography?

Boudoir photography refers to a range of looks or styles of photography that can be variously described as romantic, soft, sensual, glamorous, suggestive, semi-nude, and nude. Boudoir, French for bedroom, refers to images that have themes of romance, sensuality, and flirtation. It is not necessary to be nude or revealing in boudoir photography. It has more to do with an attitude or state of mind than the state of dress or undress. Since the usual purpose of boudoir photography is to make a very special and unique gift to a loved one, the primary ideas conveyed in boudoir photography are love, affection, romance, and giving.

What is a typical boudoir portrait?

There really is no such thing as a typical boudoir portrait. Boudoir images are whatever you would like them to be. Since everyone wants something a little different, boudoir images vary greatly from person to person.

While some women elect to be nude for some portion of their portrait session, it is also common for women to be fully clothed throughout the session. What matters most is that you feel comfortable in whatever poses you chose. You will never be asked to pose in any particular way. You are always in complete control of your clothing, your poses, and how you will appear in your photographs.

Whether you are looking for an elegant romantic image or want to raise the temperature significantly, we can help you achieve the results you desire. If you plan to include any nudity in your portraits (or if you will be nude for any portion of your portrait session), then we will require proof that you are over the age of 18.
 

When Should I Consider Boudoir Images?

The time to consider a boudoir portrait series is right now. Although we all hope to age gracefully, the unfortunate truth is that we will never look better than we do right now. Now is the time to take that romantic or provocative image to capture you at your absolute best.

Where Are The Images Taken?

Boudoir images are typically taken in my studio, your home or anywhere else that you will feel comfortable. Other locations might include your office, his office, the boat, a remote outdoor location, his truck, or anywhere else where you feel comfortable and will not feel rushed. Your home is often a good location because you have access to all of your things and his things should a creative spark occur during the session.

Who Will Be Present?

The only people who will know about the portrait session are you, the photographer (that's me), and anyone else you may have told. I never tell anyone else. For location shoots, I ask that you consider the amount of space available for the photo session and ensure there is enough room for you, any props or furnishing that will appear in the photos, the photographer, and the photo equipment.

An alternate idea you might consider is a "Girls Night Out" where you plan a party around a boudoir photography theme. Multiple people can be included in the photo session at a rate far less than what would be require for individual sessions.

What Should I Wear?

What you want to convey in your boudoir portraits will largely dictate what you will wear and how you will dress. If you will have bare skin photographed, then you should wear loose fitting clothing (avoiding anything with elastic or wires) around any portion of your body that will be shown to the camera. Tight fitting or elastic clothing leaves indentations and marks on the skin that will show up prominently in the photographs. To get that silky skin look, wear loose fitting clothing prior to your boudoir portrait session. Also avoid sitting or leaning on anything that will leave creases in the skin.

What About Hair and Makeup?

Since you want to look your absolute best you should either plan some significant time to do your hair and makeup, or have it done professionally. Having these services performed professionally takes the worry and anxiety out of the process, but it does add cost to the overall portrait session. If you do not have someone you can trust for these services, then we may be able to offer some suggestions for these services. If you decide to do the makeup and hair yourself, then prepare yourself much as you would for a very elaborate night on the town. Makeup should be applied a little heavier than normal, but avoid going to extremes around the eyes.
 

Who Will See The Proofs?

A couple of days after your portrait series has been completed your proofs will be ready to view.

Here you have two choices...

You can schedule a time when you can come to my studio to review your proofs on our proofing computer.

or,

I can post the images in a private directory on our web site. You, and only you, will be given the login password necessary to view these images online. So, you have absolute control over who will see the proofs. You may give the password information to anyone you wish, or you may keep it strictly to yourself. The password is encrypted on our servers, so it is extremely unlikely that even a hacker could discover them. Further, we remove all proofs from our web site when you have completed reviewing them.

The private galleries on our web site are intended to make it easier for you to review your images. They allow you to review the images at a time and place of your choosing and to control who can see the images (it is easy for a sister in another state to review the images, for example).

Who will see my finished photos?

I do not use client photos in our portfolio or on our web site unless the client gives us permission to do so.  That is one of the reasons why I do not have as many samples as I would like of boudoir photography.

The only people who will see your photos are you, me, and who ever you choose to show them to.
 

Can I bring a friend along?

Yes, of course. Many clients bring a sister or girlfriend along. In fact, they sometimes schedule back-to-back photo sessions so they can be there for each other.  
 

Can my husband/boyfriend be present during the shoot?

Yes. Some clients ask their significant other to watch, or even assist, during their shoot as a part of the gift.

(Please contact me about this option)
 

Can you photograph my spouse and me together?

Yes. I have photographed a number of couples together.
 

Can you airbrush my photos?

Yes. I always touch up blemishes, and I can airbrush a little or a lot. If this is a concern, please bring it up ahead of time and I can show you some samples of full body touchups.  You can also see some of our retouching samples by clicking on the "Retouching" link at the top of this page.

Who Owns the Images?

As is customary with professional photography, we retain copyright ownership and possession of the original images. You may not copy or reproduce the images without our consent. Likewise, we may not use, sell, give away, or distribute your images without your consent. Your images will appear in only four possible places: 1) in our files - in case you want to order prints in the future, 2) on our web site during your review,  3) on any prints you order from us, and 4) if you give us your permission in writing, we may display a few of your photographs on our website as samples.

We reserve the right to refuse any request to display any photograph on our website.